The Birthday Girl

Sunday was Maryn's 4th birthday. Life has been so busy, that I am just now getting around to write about it.

The Birthday Girl was absolutely spoiled on her day of celebration. When she woke up in the morning, she found that her room had been magically decorated while she slept. Unfortunately for us, that was at 6:45 am.

Maryn (whispering loudly): "Dad. Dad. DAD. Come see my room. DADDY. There are balloons. Dad. DAD."

(sorry about the messy room. We're in the process of moving...what do you expect?)

That night, after dinner with our friends, the Ripperdans, we had a little party. So, in recent months, I have discovered something: Maryn doesn't like cake. Weird, huh? She loves the icing, but never the cake, or cupcake. So, instead of a traditional, easy cake, I decided to make an ice cream cake. In the shape of a lady bug.

Don't try this at home.

It wouldn't have been too bad, if it hadn't been so darned melty. But, it actually turned out OK, and Maryn loved it. I think I liked my monkey cupcakes (from last year) and the Cookie Monster cake (from age 2....the one she was scared of) better, but, eh, it's a kid's birthday.

After blowing out the candles, Maryn was pretty anxious to tear into her presents. She's been dieing for some small plastic animals for quite a while. I searched all over for same ones her friends Caiden had, but just before I was about to give in and go to the zoo gift shop to spend big bucks on overpriced toys, I found something similar at the local Dollar Tree.

Yes, they are a little creepy, and I think they might have Graves' Disease, but she is happy with them, and I only had to spend $6 for six animals. Uhmmmmm, is that lion staring at me, or is he staring at you? Get that thing some Tapazole!

After taking swim lessons last year, I thought Maryn would be excited for a pair of swim goggles. It always pleases me when my kids love the things I buy. The goggles were immediately put to use during bathtime that night.

That silly girl loves to swim!

Over all, I think it was a very Happy Birthday! Grandma and Grandpa sent her a gift card to Target for her to spend after we are moved. She asks me multiple times each day to go to Target to use her "credit card." It's good to know I am raising her right.

Happy Birthday, Maryn! We love your guts, and couldn't imagine our family without you!

The Hour Draweth Nigh.

Wowsa! Have you checked out our Countdown to Graduation lately? Next week officially starts "Stress Week" for those of you who would like to participate. Up to this point I feel like this is all I've been able to do:

Ah, good times.

I have been able to pack up quite a bit so far, thanks to those who've given me packing supplies! Now, if only I can find us a place to live, I think I can finally sleep again at night.

Thoughts From Em

The other morning, I was still getting ready for the day when Ailee started fussing in her crib. Maryn was up-n-at-em, so I told her, "I bet you can't make Ailee laugh!" Being her "resistant" self (I have discovered that is the best word to describe her), she cannot turn down a challenge. Moments later, I could hear the two of them in Ailee's room, in fits of giggles.

Now, if that isn't the best sound to start the day off with, I don't know what is. Someday I need to get it on video, without them knowing, so that on the badly sort of days I can listen to it over and over. Sitting in the corner with my knees tucked up to my chest, rocking back and forth, and chanting to myself, "I'm not gonna go crazy" just isn't working.

The reason I thought of this, was because of the lesson from Relief Society today. I will be honest with you all--you are my friends, and hopefully you won't turn me in. I have no idea what the lesson was about. I wasn't listening at all. I was completely zoned out, thinking about something else, instead. However, I was struck by a comment that one of the women, a visitor in our ward, said. It was, "We should teach our children to be joyful."

We try to get our children into the best schools. We work hard to teach them how to be responsible, and raise them to be good adults. We want to give them the finest clothes and toys and things to make them happy--But, really we can never give them any magical "thing" that will make them joyful people. The best we can do is to help them find joy in what they have.

Maryn loves Caterpillars. Several weeks ago, she found one crawling on the driveway. I got a glass jar for her, and we filled it with leaves and sticks. The next morning, when we came outside, the caterpillar had made a cocoon. Maryn was very excited the her caterpillar was going to become a butterfly. That glass jar became her favorite playmate out on the porch. Even after the caterpillar had emerged and flown away (though I was sad we missed it), she didn't care. In her mind, she had a great thing, and she loved taking care of it.

Toys come and toys go. The only thing that stays the same for our children is family, especially as members of the church. Now, if only she could have as much fun with her sister as she did with that glass jar...

January 2009

The Apostle Song

For the longest time I have been wanting to find a way to memorize all the Apostles. I have the hardest times with names and such. Well, a few weeks ago, my sister in law sent me this link, and I thought I would share it with you all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgXhB3C6s1M
I wanted to just put the video on my blog, but I'm too tired to figure it out right now. So, save me the energy, and you do the work yourself by clicking on the link. I was also able to find the sheet music here (scroll down until you see "Extras" then click on the "Apostle Song Sheet Music"):
http://lds.about.com/od/seminary/a/scripture_songs_3.htm
Enjoy!

Let's Get This Party Started

This isn't just a box of Non-Sterile Powder-Free Latex Examination Gloves....it's my first packed box. And, it's just full of boring old books to be put into storage while we look for a house.

[sigh]

It must begin.